1 Week Itinerary in Japan: OSAKA + KYOTO + HIROSHIMA

Best things to see in Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima in 1 week!

Are you planning to visit Western Japan for the first time? How many days are you going to travel there? There are countless tourist attractions and hidden gems in Western Japan, and it could be hard to see everything you want without planning your trip in advance.

The recommended duration to travel Western Japan is one week if you wish to see the best highlights of Western Japan. In this article, I’m sharing a perfect 1-week itinerary in Western Japan, visiting the best highlights of 3 most popular cities: Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima 😉 Enjoy astonishing World Heritage sites, cultural monuments and delicious local food!

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One week in Kansai Area+Hiroshima (IN/OUT Kansai Airport)

Day 1: Arrival to Osaka

Visit Dotonbori at night is the best option. Enjoy Osaka’s soul food such as Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki. Stroll around the neon street and take pictures with famous shop displays including the Glico running man.

Day 2: Osaka

A one day sightseeing in Osaka city is very possible. See the glorious Osaka castle, visit Osaka’s downtown district called Shinsekai (the new world), do some shopping and eat till you drop. But if you want to visit Universal Studio Japan (USJ) , you may need one extra day!→USJ Tickets Available Here!

More travel info about Osaka:

Best Things to Do in Osaka
Recommended tours and activities in Osaka
Best Restaurants in Osaka
▶ Best Areas to Drink in Osaka
What to buy in Osaka

Day 3–4: Kyoto

Move to the most beautiful historical city in Japan. Kyoto can be reached within 1 hour from Osaka by train. To see the best bits of Kyoto, at least 2 days are required. Visit as many temples and historical sights as you can! Also Kyoto is great place to shop local souvenirs such as traditional crafts and matcha products 🙂

Best Things to See in Kyoto
Recommended tours and activities in Kyoto
Best Restaurants in Kyoto
What to buy in Kyoto

Day 5–6: Hiroshima

Take a bullet train (Shinkansen) to Hiroshima! Don’t miss two world heritage sites, Hiroshima peace memorial park and Miyajima island. Enjoy delicious local food of Hiroshima, such as Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki and Oysters 🙂 Back to Osaka in late afternoon to complete last shopping and supper, before the last day.

Best things to see in Hiroshima
Recommended tours and activities in Hiroshima
What to buy in Hiroshima

Day 7: Leave from Osaka

Be sure to get to KIX airport on time! It’s approx 50 km away from the city centre and takes about 1 hour to reach by train or bus.

Shopping at last minute?? Check this out!
10 Must-Buy Souvenirs at KIX


Suggested Itineraries in Japan

▷ 3 Days in Kyoto
▷ 5 Days in Kyoto
▷ One Week in Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima
▷ 1 Week Itinerary: the Very Best of Japan for First Timers

If you are looking for more info in Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, check below articles about things to do, what to buy and where to stay!

▼Editor’s Picks▼

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Written by

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Spent around a decade by living and travelling across the world and currently reside in Japan working as a social media writer for Japan Web Magazine 💻 I spend my days by researching and discovering new places and hidden gems for my next journey, and write articles based on my knowledge, interests and travel experiences. I hope you find my stories helpful to plan your trip and have a wonderful time in Japan 🌈